The global rare earth magnets game continues to heat up. Indeed, China, the top global rare earths supplier, seems eager to tighten its hold on the marketplace, especially with trade tensions rising between the country and the West. Meanwhile, the U.S., Australia, and many other nations continue to look for homegrown solutions to rare earths […]
Category: Sourcing Strategies
CBAM Update: How the USA and EU are Collaborating to Curb Chinese Steel Imports
This month saw the launch of the EU’s CBAM policy, a much-needed abbreviation for Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism. Officials designed the trade policy to put a fair price on the carbon emitted during the production of carbon-intensive goods entering the European Union. They also hope it will encourage cleaner industrial production in non-EU countries. The policy […]
Construction MMI: Chinese Manufacturing Still Slumping, Impacting U.S. Construction
The Construction MMI (Monthly Metals Index) continues to experience pressure from both sides amid conflicting global construction news. For instance, U.S. scrap steel prices recently dropped due to more vehicles being manufactured (car manufacturing always produces ample scrap). However, Chinese steel product prices went up at the same time. Ultimately, metal markets witnessed more movement […]
Preparing for 2024 Metal Contract Negotiation Time
Buyers typically renew their annual metal sourcing contracts every year. Doing so helps ensure continuity and stability for ongoing business relationships. One might think, “Sure, sure. I know that. But how should I prepare properly?” After all, the contract negotiation process often proves stressful for even the most savvy metal sourcing professionals. To make matters […]
Steel Purchasing in a Sideways Market
Global steel plate prices continue to move sideways. But what does this mean for steel buyers? Moreover, how should one map out their metal spend? In a sideways market, the answers are not always as clear as one might assume. Indeed, less volatility is good in some ways, and a nuisance in others. After all, […]
Construction MMI: Chinese Sourced Steel Prices Spike, Supply Pinches Possible
The Construction MMI (Monthly MetalMiner Index) rose considerably by 7.68%, with Chinese steel prices getting a significant boost. In fact, all facets of the index related to China (except for iron ore) increased. The movement came in the wake of zero-COVID restrictions lifting, which resulted in a sharp rise in coronavirus cases. While this was […]
Stainless MMI: Reduced Stainless Imports Could Cause Shortages, Bullish Nickel Price
The Stainless Monthly Metals Index (MMI) moved up with a 7.32% rise from November to December. Meanwhile, the nickel price index appeared decidedly bullish throughout the month. While nickel prices modestly retraced from their early month rally, upside price action continued to support the short-term range breakout. Sustained increases should foster further bullish anticipation, which […]
Mastering Metal Prices: 5 Sourcing Strategies That Only Pros Know
“It is a fact researchers have settled on – the 10,000-hour rule is a definite key in success.”– Malcolm Gladwell, ‘Outliers.’ For those of you who have not read Gladwell’s “Outliers,” no worries. Essentially, the key theme of the book involves the concept of practice. It states that those who dedicate 10,000 hours or more […]
Rare Earths MMI: Global Rare Earth Supply Chains in an Uproar
The December Rare Earths MMI (Monthly MetalMiner Index) traded sideways for the second month in a row. The index dropped 1.55% and MetalMiner anticipates it will continue sideways, most definitely for the short term and possibly in the long term. This is mostly thanks to the supply of global rare earth magnets being interrupted by […]
Rare Earths MMI: The World Races to Find Alternatives to Chinese Rare Earths
The November Rare Earth MMI (Monthly MetalMiner Index) broke its short-term downward trend and traded sideways month-over-month. Altogether, the index dropped a modest 0.97%. Rare earths managed to hold their steady trend over most of 2022. This was due to high demand for EV’s, electronics, and rare earth magnets. Indeed, the global market for all […]
